We may only be a couple of weeks into 2023 at the time of writing but the buzz surrounding new iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and other models is already growing.
If you're looking to upgrade your hardwear this year you'll want to know what's coming and when, so we've taken a deepdive into the available information to find out what's anticipated in 2023 from the main players.
As we know, Apple typically launches its latest model and all its iterations in September and there's no reason to think that will be any different this year. So what changes can we expect?
By far the biggest and most exciting change is likely to be the adoption of USB-C charging. With the EU mandating that all phones sold in the region must support USB-C charging by 2024 Apple's hand has been forced and they have said they intend to comply. The grey area is whether USB-C charging will be for phones intended for the EU region only or worldwide - and where that might leave the UK! We'll find out in September.
Other changes are likely to include improved camera and processor, as ever, and perhaps some additions to the Pro Max to give it more value over the Pro.
The second most popular business phone is, of course, the Galaxy S and the S23 lineup is expected to be introduced at Samsung's Unpacked event on February 1st. Even though the launch date is only a couple of weeks away all we have to go on are internet rumours, albeit from usually reliable sources.
First off is a redesign of the handset itself. Samsung may be ditching the camera bump in favour of protruding lenses found on the popular S22 Ultra according to some renders available online.
Speaking of the camera, there are strong rumours that the S23 will boast a whopping 200 megapixel main cam supported by, perhaps, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile chip, which offers better power efficiency and several other enhancements.
Samsung's 'budget' Galaxy A53 phone stacks up well in terms of value and so will the A54 if/when it launches this year - IF it keeps the same price. Because based on leaks and conjecture, it's not that much different to its predecessor. A slightly smaller screen (6.4" vs 6.5"), a triple rear camera and a larger battery - that's all we have at the moment. It'll still be one of the best lower cost phones on the market...but it might not prove to be as good as the Pixel 7A (see below).
If Google remains true to form they will likely release a cheaper version of their Pixel 7 in Spring/Summer 2023, the Pixel 7A, which will ofer only slightly reduced spec from its parents and be available for under £500, representing seriously good value for those who don't need the full power of the 7 or 7 Pro.
But it'll be the Google Pixel 8 enthusiasts (like me) are most looking forward to. Details are understandably scarce right now as the Pixel 7 is only a few months old, but a new processor, 12GB RAM and, of course, Android 14 seem likely.
Those are the big players we expect to see in 2023. But there are plenty more to consider.